The kiwi bird is the national symbol of New Zealand, as it is the country’s indigenous bird, the only survivor of an ancient order of birds, the Aperygiformes-Ratitate order. Besides the kiwi bird being renowned for being New Zealand’s native bird, there are so many other unique features and characteristics to it that fascinate people. One of them would be the appearance. The kiwi bird is small and cute, about the size of a domestic fowl or a chicken. In average, the kiwi bird stands about 18 in (45 cm) high and weights between 3 and 10 pounds (between 1.3 and 4.5 kg).

Nevertheless, the size depends on the species. The kiwi bird species include the Great Spotted Kiwi (which is the largest species), the Little Spotted Kiwi, the Okarito Kiwi, the Southern Brown Kiwi, and the North Island Brown Kiwi. Another particularly interesting fact about the kiwi bird and its size is that females grow lager than males. Not to mention the fact that the kiwi bird lays huge eggs. They actually lay the largest egg in relation to their body size. To get a better picture, imagine a small chicken laying a ostrich egg. The kiwi bird also has a unique beak, which is one-third the length of its body and has nostrils at the end. The kiwi bird also has the unique feature of being nocturnal, meaning that it is active during the night and sleeps during the day.

Believe it or not, the kiwi bird is flightless, even though it is a bird. In this respect, the kiwi bird resembles the chicken, which does not fly either. The kiwi bird is not a great hunter, as it is almost blind. This is why its long beak and nostrils come in very handy when it comes to catching the prey. You probably wonder where did the kiwi bird get its name. Well, this bird species was named after their distinctive shrill cry, kee-wee. They have nothing to do with the kiwi fruit. Even though it is the national symbol of New Zealand, the kiwi bird is still endangered by predators and changes in its natural habitat.